Bryn Athyn Cathedral

Bryn Athyn Cathedral is a Gothic structure in Pennsylvania built with limestone and adorned with soaring spires and detailed stone carvings. Inside, stained glass windows cast colored light across the spaces, depicting Biblical narratives and spiritual themes.

Work began in 1913 under Boston architect Ralph Adams Cram, with major backing from John Pitcairn Jr and oversight by Raymond Pitcairn. The building rose as a center for a religious movement focused on spiritual interpretation and fellowship.

The cathedral functions as the episcopal seat of the General Church of the New Jerusalem, hosting multiple Sunday services including family gatherings and adult worship.

Visits are possible on selected days, so check ahead before arriving at the site. The surrounding grounds remain open during daylight hours, making it easy to walk around and explore the exterior at your own pace.

Builders relied on scale models rather than traditional blueprints to guide the construction process. Intentional asymmetries throughout the design reflect medieval architectural principles instead of modern uniformity.